SW China multi-ethnic city making strides in tourism

Hechi city in Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has witnessed a boom in tourism this year, thanks to extensive efforts by local authorities.

Statistics show that more 15 million tourists have flocked to the subtropical city in the first five months, a year-on-year increase of 27.3 percent, which led to revenue of nearly 17.2 billion yuan ($2.6 billion).

Situated in northwestern Guangxi on the southern end of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Hechi boasts breathtaking karst landforms with rich biodiversity. It is also home to many ethnic groups, with over 60 percent being the Zhuang population.

To exploit the potential of its tourism resources, Hechi has been working hard to attract investment, improve infrastructure and promote itself in recent years.

The city has mapped out plans to develop 68 big tourism projects, including the notable Bama International Tourism Destination, the Red River Resort, the Nandan "all-for-one" tourism and the Longjiang River Eco-tourism.

To enhance the overall influence of Hechi tourism, local authorities are also developing many themes and special routes such as "healthy tourism", ethnic charm and red tourism, which is related to historical sites and places that record China's revolution led by the Communist Party of China between the 1920s and 40s. Many resorts, villages and counties in Hechi are applying for tourism titles verified by regional and even national authorities.

In addition, Hechi is increasingly promoting itself on various occasions across the country, hoping to attract more investments as well as top-quality tourism companies and programs.